A former Minister of Labour and Productivity under the Interim National Government of Chief Ernest Shonekan, Prince Ajibola Afonja has passed away.
Our correspondent learned that the former Chairman of First Bank and native of Oyo town, Oyo State, died on Sunday night at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan at the age of 82.
Afonja reportedly sustained injuries from a solo accident in Ilora, a few kilometres from his home. He was rushed to UCH in Ibadan, where he eventually died.
The deceased was once the senatorial candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) for the Oyo Central Senatorial District.
Taiwo Adebayo, Chairman of the Oyo Global Forum (OGF), confirmed Afonja’s death on Monday. He described Afonja as an outstanding community leader and industrialist, adding that his loss would significantly impact the entire Oyo town.
“On this dark day in Oyo, we mourn the loss of Prince Ajibola Afonja, former Labour Minister and Chairman of First Bank Nigeria, who passed away on Sunday night, aged 82. Although a national figure with tremendous influence, he was particularly light for the Oyo community where he made pioneering efforts as an industrialist. His legacy of generosity and open-heartedness touched countless lives, and his presence will be profoundly missed.
“Until his last month, Daddy IDS, as he was affectionately known, as a reference to his manufacturing company, remained hardworking, dedicated to realizing one of the most transformative business visions for the country’s economy. It was the E-Customs project.
“His absence leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, but his spirit of generosity and leadership will continue to inspire us. For all of us that he inspired, we shall honour his memory by carrying forward the values he embodied and continuing his legacy of service and compassion, the values that guide OGF, which he supported during his lifetime.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, the entire Oyo community, and friends and associates throughout the world during this time of mourning,” Adebayo said.
